Officer-Involved Shooting in Southeast Division NRF039-20ma

August 29, 2020

***Update***

The officer involved in the below incident has been identified as Southeast Gang Enforcement Detail Police Officer III Hector Beas, Serial No. 38726.

**The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed** Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Force Investigation Division is investigating an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Southeast Division.

On August 24th, 2020, around 5:20 p.m., LAPD Southeast Area Gang Enforcement Detail (GED)officers responded to a radio call of gang activity, possibly with a handgun, to the rear of an apartment complex located in the 300 block of East 99th Street. As officers arrived at the rear of the apartment complex, 19-year-old Kwame Page ran north toward 99th Street. When Page reached the front courtyard of the complex, additional GED officers had arrived on 99th Street and an OIS occurred. Page was not struck by gunfire and ran back to the rear of the complex where he was taken into police custody.

A handgun was found at the scene and was collected by detectives. Page was booked for 29800(A)(1)PC, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

LAPD’s specialized Force Investigation Division responded to the scene and interviewed witnesses and supervised the collection of evidence by the Forensic Science Division. A representative from the Office of the Inspector General responded and monitored the scene investigation.

The complete investigation will be reviewed by the Chief of Police, the Board of Police Commissioners, and the Office of the Inspector General to determine the thoroughness and accuracy of the investigation and whether the use of deadly force complied with LAPD’s policies and procedures. Additionally, representatives from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will review the subsequent FID investigation; evidence collected and witness statements to determine if the force used by the officer was reasonable.